Swindon drug dealer caught with cocaine and heroin sentenced

Sam Hassan, of Ash Grove, previously pleaded guilty to two charges.

The 22-year-old appeared at Swindon Crown Court via a video link from prison on Thursday, April 24 for sentencing.

Mark Ashley, prosecuting, explained that Hassan and a co-defendant were seen, stopped, and searched by police on October 6, 2024.

The defendant had 32 wraps of cocaine and 20 wraps of heroin worth a total of £520.

A Nokia phone hidden in his underwear was an active drug line known as Sinner which supplied Class A drugs in the Swindon area.

Alistair Haggerty, defending, said that his client had “a harrowing and traumatic” background which led to him being in foster care and then became homeless when that support stopped after he turned 18.

Due to these struggles with money and accommodation, Hassan “was vulnerable and susceptible to negative influences” and “became involved in drug supply”.

Mr Haggerty added: “There’s a degree of exploitation in these circumstances. 

“There is remorse and he has abstained from taking drugs since his arrest.”

Hassan spent a month in custody after failing to turn up to a probation appointment.

Judge Jason Taylor issued a 22-month prison sentence which has been suspended for two years.

He has also been ordered to complete up to 30 rehabilitation activity days.